Summer Vehicle Maintenance Tips

Posted on 11/1/2013

If you haven't noticed, summer is here! The kids are out of school and road trip season is upon us! It is important to prepare your vehicle for the few extra miles you will likely rack up as you crisscross the state or country on your next summer adventure. Be sure to conduct a little pre-summer auto maintenance so your vehicle keeps on running great all summer long, providing you with reliable transportation and fantastic fuel efficiency.

Inflate the Tires

Ensure that your tires haven't are fully inflated before hitting the road for a long haul. Visually inspect your tires for cracking and ensure they have a safe amount of tread left. Check the tire pressure rating and fill the tires to the right PSI if they are not already at it. Low tires can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency by 2 MPGs or more.

Replace the Air Filter

Your car runs on a mixture of air and gas and if the air filter is clogged your vehicle will burn more fuel to compensate, thus decreasing your fuel economy. A fresh air filter will help keep the dry summer dust from impacting the way your car performs.

Change the Oil

Changing the oil is a regular part of auto maintenance but it is absolutely crucial to do before you pack up and leave on your next trip, especially one in which many miles will be covered. Fresh oil keeps the engine properly lubricated, regulates engine operating temperature and when the old oil is drained it removes a lot of built up gunk from inside the engine that causes a drag in performance.

Replace Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the air/gasoline mix to create the force necessary to power the pistons in the motor, which in turn creates the power to move your vehicle. If the spark plugs are dirty, corroded or gapped incorrectly they can misfire. This causes fuel to be burnt incorrectly and will result in a poor running motor.

Proper auto maintenance is important all year round, but as we head into summer be sure to give you vehicle the attention it deserves so you can travel worry free. For professional auto maintenance in Vancouver bring your vehicle to David's Auto Repair. Our highly trained technicians can complete any maintenance you need, along with major auto repairs , including brake repair, transmission service, AC repair and more. Give us a call today or anytime you need auto repair in Vancouver conducted by professional mechanics.